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Safety

An enema is an invasive procedure, and a person should only use one for medical reasons. Buy an enema kit from a reputable pharmacy — avoid homemade kits.

Using an enema as a regular treatment for constipation can cause health problems. The body can become reliant on enemas to pass stool, and the muscles in the gut may weaken over time. It may become difficult to pass stool naturally, and in some cases, enema overuse could cause incontinence.

Frequent constipation can indicate a medical condition. If a person has concerns about constipation, a doctor can advise about possible causes and recommend diet and lifestyle changes.

Anyone with a compromised immune system — because of a disease such as leukemia, for example — should not use an enema, because of the risk that bacteria may enter the body. A person with a weakened immune system may not be fully able to fight an infection.

Anyone with rectal prolapse, in which the very end of the lower intestine comes out of the body, should avoid using an enema. If a person has hemorrhoids, they should take extra care to avoid further discomfort.

If a person has had a bowel obstruction or colon surgery, they have an increased risk of bowel perforation and should avoid using an enema.

The use of an enema before giving birth is no longer the standard recommendation. The procedure is invasive and does not benefit a woman in labor.

When to use an enema

Coffee enemas are popular but potentially dangerous.

Enemas can help treat some medical conditions. They can also prepare a person for certain medical procedures.

There is no scientific evidence that an enema benefits general health, and using an enema to detox can be harmful. Inserting substances such as coffee or oil into the body can also introduce harmful bacteria.

Some common uses of an enema include:

Preparation for surgery

It is usually necessary to have an empty bowel before surgery on the rectum, colon, or gut. A person may need to use an enema at home before surgery, or a medical professional may give an enema in the hospital.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is the use of a small camera to check the health of the rectum or bowel. The bowel will need to be empty before this procedure.

A person may need to limit their diet for a few days before the procedure. The doctor may also prescribe an enema to ensure that the bowel is empty.

Cancer screening

A barium enema can help check for bowel or colon cancer. One enema empties the bowel, and another puts liquid barium into the rectum. This shows up on an X-ray to give clear images of the bowels. After the procedure, the barium passes from the body in a bowel movement.

Constipation

There are two main types of enema for constipation. The first lubricates the bowels to help stool pass quickly. The second is a retention enema, which stays in the body for longer. A retention enema is usually oil-based, and it soaks the stool to ease its passage from the body.

Regular use of enemas to treat constipation can cause health problems. A more lasting way to resolve constipation is with diet and lifestyle changes. Drinking enough water and including plenty of fiber in the diet can keep bowel movements healthy and regular.

Medication

People can administer medication using an enema. This can especially help with treating health problems affecting the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

In some cases, an enema can deliver other types of medication. This is because the network of blood vessels in the rectum can transport medicine quickly to other parts of the body.

Outlook

An enema can help treat certain health issues and they are a necessary step for some medical procedures. However, regular use can cause long-term problems, and a person should always follow professional advice when using an enema.

The bowel is delicate, and a person should take care when using an enema. Bacteria can upset the balance of the gut and cause infection, and it is possible to injure the rectum. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to be gentle.

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